This compelling memoir from musician, journalist, and NPR cultural critic Vidal is a story of direction found in a morass of difficult relationships, poverty, social and political violence, and community and societal pressure. At 26, while starting to enjoy musical success, Vidal became a father. His model for fatherhood was lacking—his dad struggled with drug addiction and run-ins with the law. So the author looked to the hip-hop culture that for so long sustained him. His prose maintains a vivid hold on readers, even if the book suffers somewhat from repetition and—as Vidal himself states—the author seems to be taking credit for "doing something [he's] supposed to do." Still, it's great to have a Rap Dad who is inspired by one of our most popular forms of music (and Vidal's use of lyrics throughout works beautifully) and who demonstrates his commitment to his "greatest creation," his children. VERDICT Myths are busted, rhymes are decoded, and lives are unpacked. The theme is ultimately love, and this work will resonate with rap lovers and memoir fans.—Bill Baars, formerly of Lake Oswego P.L., OR